Reading FC Women set for Liverpool clash

Manager Chambers highlights importance of bouncing back from Sunderland defeat

29 September 2017

Reading return to action under Friday night lights in Widnes in their first away trip of the season!

Kelly Chambers is hoping her side responds positively following Sunday’s disappointing defeat to Sunderland Ladies.

Chambers commented; “It’s massively important, we haven’t started the season how we wanted to. The game has gone now, there’s nothing we can do about that so we have to look forward and not dwell on what’s happened.

"We need to move on and make sure we put in a good performance and pick up some points against Liverpool”.

Scott Rogers’ side kicked off their season with a 2-0 win in the Merseyside derby, goals from Natasha Harding and Niamh Charles ensuring WSL1 newcomers Everton Ladies did not claim the local bragging rights.

Friday’s fixture is the fourth meeting between the two clubs in just 14 months, and it has been a one-sided affair so far, with Liverpool winning all of the last three meetings.

Asked if the familiarity of Friday’s opponents turns the game into something of a chess match, Chambers added: “It probably becomes that. When you get to half-time, we’re obviously trying to work out each other’s [tactics], but then it’s a case of they will have seen us play, they will have analysed us and we’ve done the same.

"It’s going to be a competitive game, but one I think we’ll compete better in than we have in previous seasons. It’s a case of the girls moving forward from the Sunderland game and implementing everything we are working on in training and making sure that we put in a performance."

When the sides met in the Spring Series goals from Brooke Chaplen and Melissa Fletcher put Reading ahead after just 7 minutes, cancelling out Natasha Harding’s second minute strike. But it was the Reds who snatched the points, scoring three consecutive goals to run out 4-2 winners.

Speaking on what we can expect from Liverpool on Friday Chambers commented: “Whenever we’ve played them they’ve been a good side, they’ve got some fantastic individuals and they had a great Spring Series, so we know they are going to be tough and hard to beat.

"It’s always hard to play them away, especially because of the pitch. We’re not used to playing on that kind of pitch, whereas they are obviously used to training on it all day everyday, so it’s not going to be an easy game we know that.

"We’ve got a game plan and we’re ready to step into this game and compete. We need to ensure now that we are picking up points."

Notably for Reading, defender Jo Potter is available following her three-match suspension after being handed a red card during a Spring Series game versus Birmingham City Ladies in May.

Chambers confirmed that full-back Becky Jane is now fully fit, and will also be available on Friday. The trip may bring back fond memories for Fara Williams - returning to Merseyside where she won her first & second WSL1 medals in the 2013 & 2014 seasons.

Following Friday’s game the Royals will be back at Adams Park next Sunday (8th October), to face Mark Skinner’s Birmingham City Ladies - tickets can be purchased here.

If you are not making the long journey to Widnes, you can follow live updates of our game via Twitter!

Reading bounced back from Sunday’s disappointing defeat to Sunderland Ladies by putting in a dominant performance against Liverpool.

Fara Williams’ wonder strike stunned the hosts on the 23rd minute, volleying from around 25 yards out to beat England keeper Siobhan Chamberlain. Reading had the persistence of Remi Allen to thank for their second goal as the midfielder tapped in Jade Moore’s rebounded effort eight minutes later.

There were two changes from the side that faced Sunderland last week, with Jo Potter & Harriet Scott starting in place of Mandy Van Den Berg & Lauren Bruton.

With the first half belonging to the Royals, Brooke Chaplen ensured there was no comeback from Liverpool when she cleverly rounded Chamberlain to make it three.

Caroline Weir had come close for the hosts, hitting the post moments before. The Reds tried in vain to grab a consolation with a number of shots from outside the area, but Reading held out for a clean sheet and all three points.

Defender Harriet Scott said after the match: "It was a solid performance after the result last week, just what we needed. There was a clear game plan and we were able to defend our lead throughout. The clean sheet is massive for us and we're all really pleased with the outcome".

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